mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to opaque, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and no cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to opaque, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through the crystallization of silica-rich fluids over geological timescales.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, electronics, glassmaking, and abrasive materials.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its high hardness, conchoidal fracture, and resistance to weathering; found globally in veins, pegmatites, and sands.
